Malaysia has a wide range of tourist attractions. The sheer diversity of tourism destinations is astounding. These include the high-tech city of Kuala Lumpur, tropical island of Langkawi, colonial hill stations of Genting and Cameron Highlands, numerous pristine beaches, National Parks, and the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Malaysia has the potential of catering to tourist of every hue and it truly lives up to its tag line of Malaysia Truly Asia.
* Further information on the country tourism can also be obtained from the Tourism Malaysia's official portal, www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.
Tourism Info Line: 1 300 88 5050
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- Kuala Lumpur
To describe Kuala Lumpur is like opening a book that has various exciting chapters. Yes, this only global city of Malaysia appears blessed with colors of modernism along with rich heritage. Though formally KL spans over an area of 244 sqkms, its plush precincts virtually get bigger to embrace the entire world. Kuala Lumpur is situated at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, and probably, that's how it got its name, which literally means 'muddy confluence' in Malay language.
- Kelantan
Kelantan-literally meaning "Land of Lightning"-is an agrarian state with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. Located in the northeast corner of the peninsula, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Kelantan offers plenty of opportunities for tourists such as river cruises, river rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking.
- Malacca
Malacca is a quiet seaside city located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca, about 147 km from Kuala Lumpur. Malacca is a wonderful repository of its cultural heritage. Its colonial past is evident in its Portuguese architecture, where as on the streets, Chinese influence is most visible. Most of the businessmen here are Chinese. Over the centuries, the Chinese and local Malay cultures in Malacca intertwined, eventually producing a completely unique society-a mosaic of different cultures.
- NegeriSembilian
Malaysia Sembilian, NegeriSembilianNegeriSembilian literally means "Nine States". It is so called because it comprises a federation of nine states. Located on the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan encompasses an area of 6,645 sq km and a 48 km long coastline.
- Penang
Penang, literally meaning Island of Betel Nut, is famous for its natural scenic beauty. Also known as the 'Pearl of Orient', Penang entices visitors with its warm seas, golden beaches, lush greenery and delicious cuisine.
- Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. The state is famous for its serene unspoilt beauty, rustic rural scenes and verdant paddy fields. The expanse of verdant paddy fields makes the landscape appear like a huge canvas of brilliant green or gold, depending on the season.
- Sabah
Sabah is a tropical paradise located at the northeast corner of Borneo. In ancient times it was known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, rugged landscape and cultural diversity.
- Sarawak
Sarawak-the largest state of Malaysia-is better known as the land of fabled White Rajahs, the hornbill and the orangutan. Located on the northwestern shore of the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a preferred tourist destination for those seeking culture, nature and adventure tourism. The rainforests of Sarawak are home to the richest and most diverse ecosystem of the world.
- Terengganu
Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu is the repository of Malaysia's cultural heritage and is home to the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing "UlekMayang" dance. It is a serene state, with numerous small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches.
Eco Tourism
Malaysia is an amazing country with countless abundance of biodiversity. It is not surprising to find that 75 percent of Malaysia’s land area remains forested, with 60 percent virgin rainforest, unchanged for millions of years.
The country is bestowed with numerous natural attractions such as amazing and diverse flora and fauna, white sandy beaches, exotic marine aqua life, dense rainforests and the oldest and largest caves in the world.
Unlock the mysteries of Malaysia, one of the twelve mega-biologically diverse countries in the world, which boasts at least 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates, and 4,000 species of fishes in addition to the countless micro-organisms.
- KenongRimba Park
Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong Valley, KenongRimba Park lies in the south-west of Taman Negara. Within the park are some magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude are broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls.
Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong Valley, KenongRimba Park lies in the south-west of Taman Negara. Within the park are some magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude are broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls.
- Madai Caves
The Madai Caves are an important place for harvesting birds' nests. These nests are considered a delicacy and something of a medicine among the Chinese, and the export market is huge.
The village at the entrance of the largest cave comes alive twice a year when the Idahan tribe comes to harvest the birds' nests from various parts of the caves. It is a special communal event, almost like a festival.
- Fireflies watching at Sungai Lebam
Firefly-watching is one of the main attractions in Sungai Lebam Wetland Preservation area. Catch the blinking lights and keep silent while watching the fireflies, to view the magical lighting wonders!
The fireflies congregate at a vast mangrove swamp, especially at the Berembang trees. They are harmless, and seeing it for the first time is always a magical experience!
- Kinabalu Park
Kinabalu Park, the entrance to Mt Kinabalu, is located at 1,585 metres above sea level and is the main starting point for the summit trail that leads to the top of Mt Kinabalu. Its covers an area of 754 sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills.
It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.
- Ostrich Farm
The farm just opened in March 2001, and offers an enjoyable tour to see these fascinating birds. The public will be able to know more of these birds, while being able to see them up close.
Children and adults alike will love the educational tour and to find more about these flightless birds. Did you know that ostriches also lay the largest eggs in the world? On average it can weigh 1.5 kg and is equivalent in volume to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
Ostriches are farmed not only for their eggs, but also their meat, feathers and can be made into leather products.
- Desaru Fruit Farm
Desaru Fruit Farm is planted with a variety of tropical fruits such as starfruit, jackfruit, soursop, honey orange, the king of fruits the durian and much more. There are 160 acres farmed with tropical fruits here.
Desaru Fruit Farm also has a mini zoo, fish pond and many other exciting attractions!
- GunungLedang/Mount Ophir
Shrouded in mystical legends and folklore, GunungLedang continues to charm and intrigue locals and visitors alike.
According to the legend of the Princess of GunungLedang, the Sultan of Melaka wanted the Princess' hand in marriage and she, not wanting to marry him, demanded that the Sultan present her with seven jars of women's tears, seven trays of mosquitoes' hearts and seven bowls of the sultan's son's blood. After he was unable to meet these impossible requests, she fled to the mountain and continues to live in a hidden cave, to this day.
- Endau - Rompin State Park
Endau Rompin, straddling the Johor/Pahang border, is the second National Park, after Taman Negara. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 hectares of rich and exotic flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derives its name. In other words, this place is huge.
- TelukSengat Crocodile Farm
Get up close with these crocodiles, more than 1,000 of them in this farm! Did you know that the crocodile farm was established in 1979, and it may be one of the oldest in the country.
The further one ventures into the crocodile farms, the bigger sized they get! The crocodiles at the farm belong to the CrocodylusPorosus species.
Catch also a glimpse of the 130 year old crocodile, lazing around its pen. Do be careful not to throw sticks and stones at the crocodiles.
- Batang Ai National Park
Gazetted in 1991, Batang Ai National Park shelters many protected animals. It also serves as a water catchment area for a huge artificial lake, creating the Batang Ai Hydro-electric dam.
The lake extends up to the Engkari and Ai Valleys, where the scenery complements an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Because of the limited facilities available within the park, the best way to see it is by arranging to be part of a longhouse tour. You'll get a chance to meet natives of the Iban tribe and discover how they live in their communal house and how they interact non-destructively with nature.
- Niah National Park
Over 400km up the coast from Kuching, hidden in the forests of Miri, are the Niah Caves. The park covers a vast swathe of 3,140 hectares of peat swamp, dipterocarp forests, as well as the massive limestone outcroppings within which the giant Niah caves are concealed. The caves consist of one big cave (The Great Cave) and some smaller caves.In 1958, archeologists discovered evidence of human occupation of the caves dating back some 40,000 years. Rock paintings were found in what has become known as the Painted Cave, and the discovery of several small canoe-like coffins (death ships) indicate that this site was once used as a burial ground.
- Bako National Park
Sarawak's oldest national park was established in 1957, covers a modest 27 sq. km., and is about 37km from Kuching. It's known for its extraordinary natural scenery, habitats, plants and wild life.
Its most significant features are secluded coves and rugged rocky headlands with magnificent steep cliffs that overlook the South China Sea.
- GuaKelam (Kelam Cave)
One of the most distinctive caves in Malaysia is a 370-metre long limestone cave near the small town of Kaki Bukit (literally 'foot hill') called GuaKelam (Cave of Darkness). Located about 33km north of Kangar, the state capital, GuaKelam Recreational Park is popular for its enchanting 'cave walk' where you can enter from one end of the cave and come out at a different location.
The only path to the cave is via an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge. This bridge links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley, a valley on the opposite end of GuaKelam. Back in 1935, an Englishman saw the water pathway as a brilliant method to transport tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern to Kaki Bukit.
Now, locals and tourists make their way through the cave via a brightly lit wooden walkway inside the cave. You can still find remnants of the tin mine operation within the cave. As you make your way through the cave, the whispers of a swirling dark subterranean stream, together with the squeaking bats and dripping water from the stalactites, form a concerto of natural sounds. It sounds a bit spooky, but adds to the mystery of a cave that was was once the home of Stone Age men.
- Kota Tinggi Waterfall
The waterfalls are located at the foot of GunungMuntahak.
- Langkawi Mangroves
One of the largest mangrove forests in Southeast Asia, and is home to a surprising diversity and wealth of flora and fauna.
- Langkawi
This cluster of 99 islands offers beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.
- GunungMulu National Park
Mulu National Park is home to one of the largest caves in the world. All set in a beautiful, all-natural environment deep in the rainforest.
- Danum Valley
The beautiful Danum Valley is a huge conservation area incredibly rich in flora and stunning views.
Hill Station
Cameron Highlands
- Located in Pahang, this hill station is the nation’s highest at 1,500 meters above sea level. Cameron Highlands possess 8 towns, and is called home by a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens and vegetable gardens. The Boh Tea Centre is also located here, a tea factory that offers tours to visitors, as well as Cactus Point, a market that sells every type of cactus imaginable. Cameron Highlands is located 214 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, and can be reached in 2.5 hours by car.
- Maxwell Hill
Also known as Bukit Larut, is the oldest, wettest and most well-preserved hill station in the country. Built in 1884 some 10 kilometers from Taiping, Perak, this resort is 1,250 meters above sea level and still retains its colonial origins with its old bungalows and gardens. Maxwell Hill is ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers, as the area provides a welcoming environment for the local wildlife. Maxwell Hill also has a war cemetery for British casualties during World War II.
To get to Maxwell Hill from Taiping Town, walk towards the Taiping Lake Garden and follow the turning in Alan Air Terjun towards the foot of the hill. Government Land Rovers await passengers there, the only vehicles allowed by the government to climb the slope. Visitors can also walk to the summit, an 8-hour journey.
- Penang Hill
Also known as Bukit Bendera, this 830-meter high hill gives visitors the best view of Georgetown, the mainland and Penang Bridge. Penang Hill also has a canopy walk, which lets people trek up the treetops along a 150-meter long path.
Penang Hill Railways gave passengers a memorable ride on one of the world’s oldest funicular system, which snakes its way up the hill as it ascends. However, the system is being upgraded to provide a straightforward route to the summit. The adventurous can also opt to hike all the way up using the paved jeep trail. Visitors should let night overtake them up the hill, as the lights turn the Penang Island into a dazzling jewel.
- Genting Highlands
Home to the popular Genting Highlands Resort, also known as the “City of Entertainment” and the “Las Vegas of Malaysia”, for possessing the only legal land-based casino in the country. The resort has 6 hotels, 5 performance venues and a golf course.
Genting Highlands is an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. It can also be reached via the world’s fastest and Southeast Asia’s longest cable car, the 3.3 kilometer Genting Skyway.
- Bukit Tinggi
One of the larger cities in West Sumatra, whose name in Indonesian means “high hill”. Bukit Tinggi is 90 kilometers from Padang, with a height of 930 meters above sea level. Visitors can see Sianok Canyon and the Japanese Caves, a network of underground bunkers and tunnels built during World War II, which includes a two-story observation tower overlooking the canyon. There are also the ruins of Fort de Kock, a former Dutch outpost which are now connected to a zoo via the Limpapeh pedestrian overpass.
The primary way to get to Bukit Tinggi from the international airport is by car or chartered mini-van.
Beaches
Malaysia has some fabulous beaches owned and maintained by top resorts of the country. The beaches have modern and sophisticated facilities to attract tourists from all over the world. You can see tropical wild life located in the vicinity of the beaches. Malyasian beaches are safe and relatively crime-free especially for the women. The mouth-watering local cuisines are an added attraction. The country is hot and humid whole year so best time to visit is in winter months. The high humidity level can be very tiring so take plenty of cool drinks along to prevent dehydration.
- Langkawi Island
The beaches on this island are regarded as some of the world's most picturesque hideaways secluded and unspoilt with natural beauty. Most of the best coves are privately owned by luxury resorts.
You must try PantaiCenang, Pantai Tengah, or the beautiful crescent of Dataibeach.Langkawi offers world-class snorkeling sites near Malaysia's best coral reefs which are in Palau Payar Marine Park.
The best season to visit is from November to May when the temperature is mild with low humidity.
- Long Beach
The Long Beach is located at Perhentian Islands which is in the north-eastern part of the country.
It is paradise for budget travelers with world class facilities for snorkeling and scuba Diving.Kecil Island and Besar Island have some smaller beaches like Coral and Flora Bay. These are also well maintained with serene surroundings.
They are extremely popular among the tourists so you have to book hotel in advance to avoid the rush. The best time to visit is from March to September.
- PantaiTelukBelanga
Counted among one of the world's best beaches, Emerald bay is located on privately owned island on the west coast. A perfect crescent shaped bay, PantaiTeluk, has soft golden sand and emerald blue water.
As a property of PangkorLaut Resort it is accessible only the guests where every care is taken to treat them royally.
PantaiTelukBelangaisland has remained untouched from the winds of commercialization which is reflected in its abundant natural beauty and forests. This is the place which you can visit whole year but the best time would be January to May.
- Redang Island
Mostly uninhabited islands but maintained and owned by private luxury resorts. You can visit Redang archipelago by boat from the mainland. These have white sand and turquoise water to attract the tourists.
One of the main attractions is fabulous underwater life in the marine park which invites scuba divers from all over the world. The best time to visit is from March to October when the water temperature is ideal at 28C.
- Tioman Island
This island is located in the south - east of the country. It is one of the beautiful islands with natural wonders. The golden sandy beaches with offshore reefs and crystal blue water are great destination for underwater enthusiasts.
A visit to Tioman which is the private property of Berjaya Tioman Beach resort is must. It is a private palm trees lined beach with soft clear sand stretches.A 2.5 hour trek from KampungTelek will take you to the secluded and serene beach of KampungJuara.The best season to visit is from March to September.
It is advisable to avoid monsoon season which lasts from November to January as sea can get really rough at times.
- Turtle beach and Golden beach
These beaches are located in Borneo. It has golden sand and cliffs with wildlife for nature lovers.Waterfalls, Jungle streams and different species of animals are common adding to the beauty of the place. The natural park has camping ground, cafés located near the beaches. You require permit to enter Turtle and Golden beaches which are eight km from the park.
The best time to visit is from April to September .Avoid Monsoon months -October to March which are humid and uncomfortable.
Night Life
Malaysia is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Southeast Asia with a crowd of locales who are friendly, warm and hospitable. The nightlife in Malaysia is thrilling and full of excitement and fun.
Bukit Bentang Road in Kuala Lumpur is a great nightspot. There are 6 retail malls in that area for you to shop or you can choose to shop at the various street side shops as well. In case, the extravagant shopping tires you, sit at the roadside cafes in front of Bukit Bentang Plaza or Plaza Low Yatt and enjoy a nice coffee with snacks and listen to the live musical performance of the bands.
The first street parallel to Bukit Bentang Road also remains awake all throughout the night with street vendors selling food and fruits that is consumed by people in abundance.
One can even have a professional haircut at the hair saloons in the night market or go shopping in Chinatown. Just sitting in the roadside and watching people and street vendors is a great fun at the nightspots in Malaysia.
PasarMalam in Malay means Night Market and is pronounced as PaasaarMaalaam. It is a famous night market of the locales of Kuala Lumpur since a long time.
PasarMalam market sells all sorts of daily products including fish, meat, vegetables, cattles and so on. The market opens all through the night and offers open entry to anyone to buy and sell products. Visiting PasarMalam is to experience the way of life of Malaysia at night. The remote PasarMalam in cities like Kelantan, Terengganu or Pahang, any of the less visited PasarMalam provides more originality.
Cuisine
- Chinese Food
When people in the West speak of Chinese food, they probably mean Cantonese food. It's the best known and most popular variety of Chinese food. The food are usually stir-fried with just a touch of oil to ensure that the result is crisp and fresh. All those best known 'western Chinese' dishes fit into this category - sweet and sour dishes, won ton, chow mein, spring rolls.
The food are usually stir-fried with just a touch of oil to ensure that the result is crisp and fresh. All those best known 'western Chinese' dishes fit into this category - sweet and sour dishes, won ton, chow mein, spring rolls.
With Cantonese food the more people you can muster for the meal the better, because dishes are traditionally shared so everyone will manage to sample the greatest variety. A corollary of this is that Cantonese food should be balance: traditionally, all foods are said to be either Yin (cooling) - like vegetables, most fruits and clear soup; or Yang (heaty) - like starchy foods and meat. A cooling food should be balance with a heaty food and too much of one it would not be good for you.
Another Cantonese specialty is Dim Sum or 'little heart'. Dim sum is usually consumed during lunch or as a Sunday brunch. Dim sum restaurant are usually large, noisy affair and the dim sum, little snacks that come in small bowls, are whisked around the tables on individual trolleys or carts. As they come by , you simply ask for a plate of this or a bowl of that. At the end the meal you are billed is the amount of empty containers on your table.
Cantonese cuisine can also offer real extremes - shark's fin soup or bird's nest soup, expensive delicacies from one end of the scale to mee (noodles) and congee (rice porridge) on the other end.
Far less familiar than the food from Canton are the cuisines from the north and the west of China - Szechuan, Shanghai and Peking. Szechuan food is the fiery food of China, where pepper and chili really get into the act. Where as to food from Canton are delicate and understated, in Szechuan food the flavors are strong and dramatic - garlic and chilies play their part in dishes like diced chicken and hot and sour soup.
Beijing (Peking) food is, of course best known for the famous 'Peking Duck'. Beijing food are less subtle than Cantonese food. Beijing food is usually eaten with hot steamed bun or with noodles, because rice is not grown in cold region of the north. But in Malaysia, it is more likely to come with rice.
- Indian Food
Indian influence in Malaysian cuisine started in the 19th century when large arrivals of Indian migrants were brought into the country as contract laborers to work in rubber estates and on the railways. Some did take the opportunity to set up trade in the textile and food industry. Indian cuisine can be divided into two mainstreams, Northern and Southern Indian cuisine.
Bread is the main item in most meals in North Indian cuisine. Therefore, a wide variety of bread is offered at these restaurants. Nann (leavened bread with poppy seeds) is a popular choice. The bread dough is rolled out and then slapped on the inside of the tandoori, near the top where it cooks very quickly in the fierce heat. It is then flavored with onion or garlic.
Paratha or it's localized version of Roti Canai, meanwhile, is rich, flaky, and flavored with ghee. It can be eaten as an accompaniment or by itself, filled with potatoes and peas. Chapati is another leavened bread. It resembles flat discs and has a delightful flavor and chewy texture. Murtabak is stuffed Paratha based dough, which has a Meat, vegetables and egg in it.
Tandoori dishes are the most popular main courses in North Indian restaurants. Tandoori chicken is always a favorite, where a whole baby chicken or chicken quarters are roasted in the clay oven for several hours in advance and then finished off on the barbecue.
- Malay & Nyonya Food
Variety is the spice in Malay food. The traditional culinary style has been greatly influenced by the long-ago traders from neighboring countries, such as Indonesia, India, the Middle East, and China. Malay food is often described as spicy and flavorful as it utilizes a melting pot of spices and herbs.
Rice is the staple diet in any Malay meal. It is often served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper too. Most meals are eaten by using your fingers, and eating utensils are kept to a minimum. All dishes are served at the same time, accompanied by a refreshing drink. Fish is popular in Malay cooking, as with other seafood such as shrimps and cuttlefish. Beef and mutton are very popular choices but never pork as it is against their religious beliefs to eat pork. The other popular white meat is chicken.
One of the most unique Malay dishes is the "roti jala" (lacy pancakes), which sometimes replaces the staple rice. Roti jala is an ideal accompaniment to any dish with lots of rich gravy and is often served during special occasions. It is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter. Desserts are a must for any Malay meal. Easily available at most local restaurants and roadside stalls, Malay desserts are invariably very sweet and include ingredients such as coconut milk, palm sugar, and flour.
Nyonya food, also referred to as Straits Chinese food or LaukEmbokEmbok, is an interesting amalgamation of Chinese and Malay dishes thought to have originated from the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) of Malaka over 400 years ago. This was the result of inter-marriages between Chinese immigrants and local Malays, which produced a unique culture. Here, the ladies are called nyonyas and the men babas.
Nyonya food is also native to Penang and Singapore. However, over the years, distinct differences have evolved in nyonya cooking found in Penang and Singapore than that in Malaka. The proximity of Malaka and Singapore to Indonesia resulted in an Indonesian influence on nyonya food. MalakaNyonyas prepare food that is generally sweeter, richer in coconut milk, and with the addition of more Malay spices like coriander and cumin. Meanwhile, the Penang Nyonyas drew inspiration from Thai cooking styles, including a preference for sour food, hot chilies, fragrant herbs, and pungent black prawn paste (belacan).
Wild Life
This endlessly varied environment also shelters a host of the world's rarest and most remarkable animals: the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Clouded Leopard and Malaysian Tiger, the Sun Bear, the Monitor Lizard, and the Orang Utan, or "man of the forest," are just a few examples. Malaysia's forests are also home to Southeast Asia's highest peak, as well as to the world's most extensive and capacious natural caverns.
The forest itself is one of the most ancient on the planet, far older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo. It has for tens of thousands of years been the home of nomadic forest peoples, and ancient civilizations have flourished as well as disappeared in its vastness. Legends abound, and archaeologists have only just begun their efforts here. Equally exciting discoveries are now being made by genetic biologists, who have begun searching the wealth of life in Malaysia's forests for new medicines with which to combat AIDS, cancer, and many other illnesses.
And that is only the forest. Malaysia's offshore islands are of legendary beauty. For millenia, PulauLangkawi and PulauTioman have been sought-after havens of peace from the turbulent outside world, a tradition that is evidenced today by their international status as holiday destinations. PulauSipadan, a small oceanic island off the eastern shore of Borneo, rises in a sheer column more than six hundred meters from the seabed. Completely encircled by sheer drop-offs and walls, Sipadan is one of the world's foremost dive sites.
Taman Negara
Taman Negara the most popular national park in the country, is a scenic region of forested plateaus, lofty peaks and green valleys with clean, clear streams in an area covering 4343sq km. The national park ranges in altitude from 120m to 2150m (the summit of GunungTahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia). it is traversed by several rivers. Of these, the Tembeling provides access to the park headquarters.
There are several trails for jungle- trekking and a number of observation hides rear park headquarters. There are many interesting activities for visitors to enjoy. In small groups with a guide, the visitor could go walking the trails to take in the unique flora and fauna, watch animal life at the hides or arrange a river or fishing trip.
Attractions of Taman Negra National Park
Animal Observation, A short walk away from Park Headquarters are two salt licks. A variety of animals visit these salt- licks including elephants, wild buffaloes, tapirs, deer, wild-pigs and tigers.
Angling, There are more than 200 species of fish in Taman Negara. A great proportion of these belong to the carp family. For the avid fisherman, a camping trip to the upper reaches of Sungai Kenyam and Sungai Sepia may be preferable. There are fishing lodges at LataBerkoh and Kuala Perkai which offer good catches.
Other Pursuits, Butterflies are abundant and rock climbers will find many outcrops of limestone on which to practice their skill. Several of these outcrops also contain caves for those who enjoy spelunking.
- GunungMulu National Park
GunungMulu National ParkWithin the boundaries of GunungMulu National Park is one of the most extensive and spectacular limestone cave systems on earth, the second highest mountain peak in Sarawak. Many plants and animal species, previously unknown to science have been discovered. Officially constituted in 1974 and opened to the public in 1985, GunungMulu National Park is an amazingly compact area, full of limestone within the 544 sq km it encompasses in North Sarawak, Borneo.
Mulu's Sarawak Chamber is the largest natural chamber in the world at 600 metres long, 450 metres wide and 100 metres high. Deer Cave is the largest cave passage known to man at 100 metres wide and 120 metres high. It has two huge entrances at either end of the mountain it penetrates.
- Kinabalu Park
One hundred and thirty eight kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, rises the majestic Mount Kinabalu. With its peak at 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in South-East Asia. -The area on its slopes, 767 square kilometres above sea level to the summit, forms the Kinabalu National Park. Though the park is famous for the Mount Kinabalu climb, there are other attractive aspects of it.
The wealth of plant growth, the large variety of birds and the hot springs, provide attractions to the visitor. The Poring Hot Springs, located nearby, has spring water piped into several open baths. The hot springs have health and curative properties for skin diseases.
- Niah National Park
The Niah National Park is the site of the Niah Caves, one of the largest limestone caves in the world. The Park covers 3,102 hectares (7,756 acres) of forest and limestone. GunungSubis which is 394 metres high (1,294 ft) dominates the landscape. One may explore the vastness of the Great Cave, view pre-historic paintings as well as the preserved remains of the artists themselves at the Painted Cave. Archaeologists have also discovered skeletons of prehistoric man at the west mouth of the Great Cave.
Bird's nest are a much prized oriental delicacy. These nests are still being harvested by nimble men who clamber up the long, single bamboo poles which extend from the cave floor to the arch of the roof.
- Bako National Park :
Bako National ParkTheBako National Park covers 2,742 hectares of a rugged sand stone peninsular to the east of the Bako River near Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. Millions of years of erosion have created a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays.
This is the place to view the proboscis monkeys, and the silver langur. Other animals include the leopard cats and giant lizards and a great variety of birds. The park has lovely beach areas and many trails. There is good hostel accommodation and a restaurant.
- Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary :
A 20-minute drive from Sandakan will bring you to Sepilok Forest Reserve, a 4,440-hectares area of virgin equatorial rainforest. The wealth of indigenous and rare plants, animals and birds that have found sanctuary here are to be seen to be believed. A most interesting feature of the reserve is the Orang-Utan Sanctuary. Here Orang Utans which have strayed into logging camps or rescued from captivity are cared for and subsequently sent back to the forest.
- Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary :
A prime nesting site for birds, the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, located in Perak, has over 100 species of birds, some of them protected.